Estevao’s injury against Manchester United has made things difficult for Chelsea. The winger has been one of the few bright sparks for the Blues this season. That being said, as many had expected, he has had a tough time adjusting to the physicality of English football and has had to deal with a few injuries already.
This latest one could keep him out for a little while. Liam Rosenior admitted in the post-match interview after Manchester United that Estevao had been in tears in the dressing room.
The 19-year-old must have feared for his place at the upcoming World Cup. And unfortunately, it looks like he could be about to miss out.
According to Bolavip, Bruno Andrade of ESPN has indicated that the current scenario is extremely unfavourable for Estevao to be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad, which will be announced on May 18th. The winger and Chelsea opted not to perform surgery. Instead, he has chosen an alternative treatment with physiotherapist Eduardo Santos. But internally, the CBF’s assessment is that the physical risk and limited time make the call-up unfeasible.
Estevao’s hopes of making the World Cup could be over
There is still a slim hope that Estevao could make the World Cup squad. There are still more than two weeks before the squad is announced. That being said, it looks like it might take a miracle recovery. It is more likely that Chelsea winger will miss out.
Obviously, that would be a blow for him. Estevao has been performing well for Brazil and is their top scorer under Ancelotti. He has already found the back of the net five times in national team colours.
Naturally, he was expected to play a part at the upcoming World Cup. Unfortunately, the injury has come at the worst possible time.
Missing the World Cup might be the right thing for the Chelsea winger
Considering how touch-and-go this entire situation seems, missing the World Cup might be the correct step for Estevao. He should not risk making the injury worse.
There are other players in the past who have played through fitness issues at the World Cup and their long-term careers have been completely derailed as a result of it. Samuel Umtiti is a good example.
He went from being a top European centre-back, playing for Barcelona, to having to retire at 31 years of age. Estevao is still just 19 years of age. There are plenty more World Cups in his future.
